Just because you have a smaller group around the table doesn’t mean Thanksgiving needs to be any less special. If you are the type of person who loves leftovers, go ahead and cook that full turkey or large batch of stuffing. If not, this roundup has smaller or revamped versions of your holiday favorites.
Ina Garten’s Herb-roasted Turkey Breast
While a whole turkey is traditional, a turkey breast is just the right size for 4-6 guests and cooks easily in a smaller oven. Plus, no need for basting! This recipe pairs turkey with plenty of delicious-tasting herbs for tons of flavor.
Yes, mashed potatoes are seen as a must-have side for Thanksgiving, but I love the idea of serving baked potatoes with all the fixings instead. An Instant Pot perfectly crisps the outside skin of the potato with very little attention needed, allowing you to multitask.
Arugula and Fennel Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Light and tangy, this is the perfect salad for Thanksgiving. Make the dressing ahead of time and toss with the salad right before you sit down to eat. Don’t love fennel? Swap for sliced pears or apples instead.
Cauliflower with Brown Butter Crumbs
The brown butter-soaked panko crumbs absolutely make this dish. If you aren’t a cauliflower fan, swap steamed or roasted green beans or your favorite veggie in its place.
As much as I love a flaky pie crust, the filling is really the star of the show. Pumpkin custard is basically just the delicious pumpkin pie filling. They can be served hot or cold, with whipped cream, ice cream or simply solo.
Lastly, don’t feel obligated to stick to the ‘classics.’ If you prefer serving salmon, lasagna, or even scrambled eggs, do it! The importance in the holiday is not in what we eat, but in taking a moment to give gratitude. What are your plans for Thanksgiving? Let me know in the comments!